App Rejected Due to Guideline 4.1 – Seeking Advice on Next Steps

Recently, we received a rejection for our app on the App Store under Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats. We strongly disagree with this decision, as we are confident in the uniqueness of our project.

We have submitted an appeal regarding this rejection, but so far, we have not received any confirmation that it has been reviewed or accepted for reconsideration. The explanation provided for the rejection was vague, offering only general statements and references without specific details. This makes it challenging for us to understand which aspects of our app are causing concerns.

Here’s what we’ve done so far to address the feedback:

Changed the Original Name: We renamed our app to emphasize its uniqueness and avoid any potential associations with other franchises.

Removed the Character from Screenshots: We deleted the image from our screenshots to prevent any misunderstandings and to highlight the originality of our visual content.

Replaced the Icon: We completely redesigned the app icon, creating a new and unique design that reflects the original concept of our game.

Updated Description and Other Metadata: We revised the app description and other metadata to better showcase the unique features of our game and eliminate any possible confusion.

Despite these changes, our app was still rejected.

Questions for the Community:

How can we verify the status of our appeal? Has anyone had success in receiving confirmation that their appeal is being reviewed by Apple?

What steps can we take if we don’t receive a response to our appeal? Should we try contacting Apple through alternative support channels, or is there another recommended approach?

Any recommendations to improve our chances of approval? Perhaps we missed some details or there are ways to better highlight the uniqueness of our app to meet Apple’s guidelines.

Answered by App Review in 819737022

Thank you for your post and appeal. We're investigating and will contact you in App Store Connect to provide further assistance. If you continue to experience issues during review, please contact us.

It would help to know first precisely what the reviewer has reported. What you did is probably a try to solve the reported problems, but without knowing what they were, this information is totally useless.

  • What type of app is it ?
  • Do you know any app it looks more or less like (not only UI, but the very purpose of the app) ?
  • As you say you tried to eliminate any possible confusion, that probably means you are aware of resemblances.
  • If it is in a very crowded category, there is a risk it mimics existing app.

An advice: when you reply to the reviewer, be very factual, proving as much as you can with objective elements, not fuzzy general statements as "my app is unique". Be more precise to the reviewer than you are in this post.

Accepted Answer

Thank you for your post and appeal. We're investigating and will contact you in App Store Connect to provide further assistance. If you continue to experience issues during review, please contact us.

App Rejected Due to Guideline 4.1 – Seeking Advice on Next Steps
 
 
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